Chili oil dressing salad – sounds intimidating, right? But trust me, it’s incredibly easy to make and brings a burst of flavor to your ordinary salad. This dressing, with its perfect balance of spicy, savory, and tangy notes, will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This salad is not your average salad. It’s an adventure for your palate! The chili oil adds a spicy kick, while other ingredients blend in to create a symphony of flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Toss it with your favorite greens, add protein like tofu or grilled chicken, or top it with crunchy nuts for an extra layer of texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 5 ounces mixed greens (or your choice of lettuce)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for garnish
For the Chili Oil Dressing:
- 1/4 cup chili oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (can substitute with apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but adds a nice zing)
Ingredients for Chili Oil Dressing Salad
Tools You’ll Need
- Salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
Let’s Make the Salad!
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In your small mixing bowl, whisk together the chili oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using) until well combined.
2. Assemble Your Salad:
In your salad bowl, add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.
3. Dress and Toss:
Drizzle your desired amount of chili oil dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Chili Oil Dressing Salad
- Customize the spice: If you prefer a milder spice, start with less chili oil and gradually add more to your liking. You can even use a mild chili oil for a gentler heat.
- Make it ahead: The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Get creative with toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add different veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers, protein like tofu or chicken, or crunchy elements like toasted nuts or seeds.
A plate of Chili Oil Dressing Salad
FAQs About Chili Oil Dressing Salad
Can I use store-bought chili oil?
Absolutely! Store-bought chili oil works perfectly in this recipe. Look for one with a good balance of flavor and spice.
What kind of greens are best for this salad?
Any type of greens work well! I love using a mix for variety, but spinach, romaine, or even kale would be delicious.
Enjoy Your Flavorful Creation!
This chili oil dressing salad is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more exciting salad dressings, check out our recipes for Katsuobushi Dressing and Shichimi Togarashi Dressing. Happy cooking!
